Building an EEG at home with the OpenEEG project Preparation

So, you want to build an OpenEEG and you are wondering where to begin. First you will need to acquaint yourself with the resources that are available to you:

Mailing lists

Register yourself on the OpenEEG mailing lists: Openeeg-list -- General discussion of hardware and software, for developers and users

...and have a good browse of the mailing list archives: OpenEEG list archives

Readme's

Read the files in the OpenEEG documents directory:

• All purpose guide: http://openeeg.sourceforge.net/doc/doc_skeleton.html
  
• Build tips: http://openeeg.sourceforge.net/doc/modularEEG-build-tips.txt
  
• Doc directory: http://openeeg.sourceforge.net/doc/

I also found these links useful:

• Brainmaster general information page - General EEG information
• The high performance mind - A book available from Amazon.com
• How Will I Know If I'm Really Meditating? - Article

Plans

Download a copy of the latest schematics (modularEEG_vx.xx.zip) from: OpenEEG project downloads page

This file contains:

• schematics for the circuit boards
• a schematic for the cables (pic programmer and serial)
• flash firmware for the programmable controller chip
• parts summary and ordering information
• PCB templates for board manufacturers
• licensing information and release notes

The schematics are in Eagle cad format (available as freeware from http://www.cadsoftusa.com).

Alternatively PDF versions may be available at: http://openeeg.sourceforge.net/modeeg/pdf/ but may not be up to date.

Tools

You will need the following tools:

• Soldering iron with a fine tip
• Small wire cutters
• Multi-meter
• Small flat head screw driver

...and if you make a soldering mistake you will need:

• Desoldering pump or braid
• Long nose pliers

Additional materials

• Medium sized (1mm) solder
• Insulation tape